Cuba’s national baseball team pitching coach, Jesús Bosmenier, highlighted the strength of the island’s pitching staff set to compete in the VI World Baseball Classic, describing its overall quality as solid.

“We have pitchers with proven results in their careers such as Liván Moinelo, Raidel Martínez, and the Major League pitchers who are currently working; we have been in communication with them, including Yariel Rodríguez. I believe we have the quality in that area to achieve strong results,” Bosmenier told Prensa Latina.

The coach also expressed regret over the visa denial granted to pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo, which required adjustments to the team’s original preparation plans.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that the coaching staff will continue to approach the task responsibly in pursuit of a positive performance in the tournament.

“We have several colleagues who can assist us with the work, such as Yuliesky González and Frank Camilo Morejón,” he said during the conclusion of recent exhibition games held in Nicaragua against the host national team.

Before returning to Havana, Lazo also spoke with Prensa Latina and stated that the players are in optimal condition heading into the competition.

“I believe this will be a different Classic, with new players alongside more experienced ones who have participated in previous editions. I think the games will unfold well,” said the Cuban sports legend.

For his part, Ariel Martínez, one of the standout performers during the exhibition series in Nicaragua, underscored the blend of youth and experience on the roster.

“Our team has quality, but we must improve our focus at certain moments; there are still some gaps to correct. Nevertheless, I believe we can achieve a strong result in the tournament,” he said.

The Cuban delegation departed Managua on Sunday for Phoenix, Arizona, where it will play exhibition games against the Kansas City Royals and the Cincinnati Reds as part of its final preparations.

Afterward, the Caribbean squad, managed by Germán Mesa, will travel to Puerto Rico to compete in the group stage of the World Baseball Classic against the host team, as well as Colombia, Panama, and Canada.